Krell FPB200 or Levinson 334 ?


I am looking for a power amp to drive a pair of B&W Nautilus 805. Currently I am hesitating between the FPB200 and 334. They are sold by different dealers so I can't have a A/B comparison. Any opinion please ? I mainly listen to jazz and soft rock, and like pin-point imaging. The CD player originally in my mind is a Wadia 861, but with the current situation with Wadia I think I'll hold on for a while before upgrading my CD player. Thanks.
lee6ac7
The current 300 series Levinson is the best that they have produced. Levinson in my opinion is a more relaxed delivery of sound than Krell. The music will emanate from behind the speakers. The Krell will be a bit more forward and definitely more dynamic. Some of the Krell comments seem to be of the older models. If I were you spending this much money on an amp, find dealer that will let you demo them. Also, listen to the Audio Research VT100 mkII. I've heard them with 805s and the sound was awesome. Good luck exploring.
I recently auditioned a ML336 and FPB300 in my system (Thiel CS7.2s) and found the ML336 to be much more refined sounding then the Krell, is capable of delivering stunning bass, has a huge and focused soundstage, and has a more consistent tonal quality. I think the comments in the above post are accurate relative to the ML having a more relaxed delivery vs. the Krell's more dynamic delivery. While the Krell does sound more dynamic I wouldn't characterize it as 'much more dynamic'. At this price level the dealers should allow you a home audition. I wouldn't purchase either one without one.
I have a ML332 with B&W 801's. It is a great combination. If you like a detailed, forward more analytical sound go with the Krell. If you want smoother and more resoultion and more refined go with the Levinson. I listened to both before buying and went with the Levinson. I live in the Chicago area and both dealers were willing to let borrow them for a weekend. I was even fortunate enough to get them the same weekend (pure luck). Listen to them both carefully before buying. Good Luck